Baseball Roundup: Lots of dudes cut, some trades

Lots of aging veterans got the ax in the past 24 hours. Here’s a rundown:

Things got going big with the release of Gary Sheffield by the Tigers.

The Phillies released OF Geoff Jenkins. The Reds are interested in Jenks, who can’t hit lefties worth a damn, and righties are a tough call after watching him last year.

The Rangers let go of OF/1B Frank Catalanotto. Look for him to catch on as a pinch hitter, back up OF somewhere – he can still hit as long as he’s healthy. The Rangers will keep Andruw Jones instead.

The Marlins get former pitching stud Hayden Penn for Robert Andino. Penn was once a hot prospect, but has looked like junk the last couple of years. Perhaps a trip to the NL and big Marlins stadium will do the trick.

KC cut veteran reliever Joel Peralta, and sent 1B Russ Gload to the Marlins.

The Blue Jays cut former #1 pick Matt Bush, who they had acquired in the off season from San Diego. Bush has had some issues involving alcohol in the past, and the Jays said he ran afoul of the “zero tolerance” terms of his agreement.

The Brewers let go of 3B Mike Lamb in favor of rookie Casey McGehee.

The Marlins cut 3B Dallas McPherson when they could not trade him. McPherson hit 42 HR in the minors last season (to go with a buttload of strikeouts). Someone will give him a try – word is the Yankees are interested, but Houston might be a good fit.

The Nationals said bye bye to Wily Mo Pena. Pena never lived up to his great promise.